As per a June 2022 report in Outlook, the most populous state in India, Uttar Pradesh, has halted the payment of salaries to around 21,000 teachers in Muslim religious schools, known as madrasas. These teachers, responsible for subjects like mathematics and science, may face the risk of losing their jobs entirely.

Economic challenges persist for Muslims in India, as reflected in a report by Oxfam India. Non-Muslims earn an average of Rs 7,000 per month more than Muslims, and the discrimination against Muslims in the labour market has risen to 68.3% in 2019-20. This discrimination is a significant factor in the lower employment rates for urban Muslims, accounting for 68% of the difference in engagement in regular salaried jobs.

The report also highlights rural disparities, with Muslims experiencing the sharpest increase in unemployment (17%) in the first quarter of COVID-19. During the pandemic, Muslims, particularly in rural areas, recorded the maximum decline in earnings (13%) compared to their non-Muslim counterparts.

India, home to the world's third-largest Muslim population, is witnessing a distressing trend in educational disparities. Enrolment in higher education among Muslim students in the age group of 18-23 has witnessed a decline of over 8.5% in 2020-21, according to data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) and the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE). The Ministry of Education's All India Survey on Higher Education Report, 2021, indicates lower enrolment of Muslims compared to other social groups, with only 4.6% representation.

The Sachar Committee's report in 2006 highlights that the literacy rate among Muslims in India is lower than the national average, with only 59% of Muslim children attending primary school. This trend is further reflected in the dropout rate, revealing significant challenges within the educational landscape for the Muslim community.

As India grapples with these disparities, questions are raised about the inclusivity of educational and employment policies. The recent developments in Uttar Pradesh further emphasize the need for a nuanced examination of such policies to ensure equitable opportunities for all, regardless of religious affiliation.

According to an August 2022 report by Al Jazeera (Muslim women in India allege bias in hiring for jobs) Muslim women in India are reporting challenges in securing employment opportunities. The discrimination ranges from subtle exclusions to explicit bias, revealing a complex intersection of gender and religious differences that adversely impacts their professional prospects.

Lubna Aamir, a 28-year-old dentist from Pune, exemplifies the struggle faced by many Muslim women. Despite holding a dental degree and a commendable work profile, Aamir faced numerous rejections when applying for jobs. The bias became evident when she was explicitly asked during an interview about her hijab, a religious headscarf. Aamir's refusal to remove it led to her being denied employment opportunities, compelling her to transition to a non-clinical role, the report says.

The situation reflects broader challenges faced by Muslims in India. According to government-appointed commissions, such as the one led by retired Justice Rajinder Sachar in 2006, India's Muslims lag behind in social, economic, and educational terms. The formal employment rate for Muslims is less than 8%, significantly lower than the national average of 21%.

Another study, "Being a Muslim at the Workplace," conducted by the feminist collective Parcham, underscores the persistence of discrimination in metropolitan cities. The scarcity of Muslim women in the formal sector is indicative of a systematic push towards their economic exclusion.

Ruha Shadab, the founder and CEO of LedBy Foundation, emphasizes that the study exposes both explicit and implicit biases in the hiring process. The explicit bias involves individuals consciously prejudiced against Muslims, while implicit bias operates unintentionally, contributing to discriminatory outcomes.

These findings raise concerns about the inclusivity of India's workplaces and highlight the need for a concerted effort to address and rectify systemic biases. As Muslim women continue to face obstacles in their professional journeys, advocacy for diversity and equal opportunities becomes imperative for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

The consequences of educational and employment biases extend beyond individual livelihoods, impacting the overall socio-economic fabric of the nation. The pursuit of an inclusive and equal society demands a comprehensive reevaluation of existing systems and policies. (IPA Service)